Zayn Malik will be officially leaving One Direction's world tour and will go home to recuperate from "stress," the group's publicist announced via Twitter Thursday.
"1D statement: Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the UK to recuperate," Simon Jones of Hackford PR, the band's publicist, tweeted. "The band wish him well and will continue with their performances in Manila and Jakarta."
Cue moans of dismay from fans all over the world, especially those from the two destinations mentioned.
It's not clear when Zayn will be back and how long his leave of absence will be.
Some have speculated that the cheating rumors and the "weed bond" that he and band mate Louis Tomlinson, with whom he was filmed smoking marijuana during the South American leg of their tour nearly a year ago, were required to pay prior to holding their concert this Saturday in Manila, Philippines have taken a toll on the 22-year-old.
Recently, Zayn had figured in a maelstrom of controversy when a photo of him wrapping his arms around a woman named Lauren Richardson during 1D's Thailand stopover emerged. Another snap showed him holding the blonde's hand, making fans question his relationship with fiancee Perrie Edwards.
"While her picture and caption indicates she is simply a fan who asked for a snap, the pair were also spotted outside holding hands. Her account has now been switched to private," MailOnline said.
In addition, some speculated Zayn couldn't deal with the $5,000 "weed bond" he and Louis were required by the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration to pay before they could perform in the country. They were required to do so due to the incriminating, viral video of the two sharing a "joint".
"If they don't pay up, the band members would be stopped from performing in Manila this weekend as part of their On the Road Again world tour," People said.
"The condition is intended to protect the public interest should the band members commit any violation during their stay in the Philippines," the bureau's rep, Elaine Tan, was quoted as saying.
The said bond will be forfeited "should they be caught smoking marijuana while performing in the country."
"Zayn will now be absent from the band's next three performances in Asia, but is expected to rejoin Harry Styles, 21, Liam Payne, 21, Louis Tomlinson, 23, and Niall Horan, 21, for their show in Cape Town in South Africa, on March 28," MailOnline said.
This is not the first time that Zayn missed out on One Direction's appearances. In November last year, the troubled singer was absent at a number of performances due to illness. Some, however, speculated that the absence was due to drug issues - something that his bandmates denied.
"No, he's just got a stomach bug. He's ok, he's just at home - he's got to rest," Liam said in defense during a Today show appearance, according to Hollywood Life.
What do you think, Directioners?
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